Families Belong Together 101: What to expect at your first protest

Hundreds of women marched in Washington, DC to protest President Donald Trump's "Zero Tolerance" policy. They demanded the abolishment of ICE , and an end to family detentions for migrants crossing the southern border. (June 28)
AP

A participant in a rally opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies holds a sign that reads "Love knows no borders," during a protest in McAllen, Texas, on June 20, 2018 where detention hearings for migrants are held.(Photo: Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY)

On Saturday, thousands of people will rally in Washington, D.C. and across the country to protest the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy.

More than 628 events have been planned by the Families Belong Together coalition, in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Domestic Workers' Alliance, MoveOn and Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.

The crowds could be big, and the weather will be hot. Whether you’re an experienced activist or a first-time marcher, this checklist will help you prepare for the day.

Plan ahead

Let your family know you’re going to the march and bring a friend (or a few!) along with you. Decide a location and time where everyone can meet up if your group gets separated.

Prep your smartphone

Fully charge your phone before the march, but in case it dies, write emergency contact numbers on an index card or even your arm. To make it easier to communicate at the march, consider downloading an app such as FireChat, which allows you to instant message without using data or Wi-Fi within a 200-foot range. Use #marchforourlivesdc and #MFOLDC to share images and videos from the protest on social media.

It might also be a good idea to turn off the fingerprint unlock feature on your phone. Although it’s incredibly unlikely, the police could force you to use your fingerprint to unlock your phone, but they can’t ask for your password thanks to the Fifth Amendment.

What to wear

The weather on Saturday will be hot — above 90 degrees in Washington, D.C., and across the Midwest. Dress for the heat and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

What to bring

Bring only the essentials: your ID, cash, a bank card, your phone and a portable charger if you have one. It's also important to stay hydrated and full, so bring a plastic water bottle and pack shareable, healthy snacks. And don’t forget your signs! Wearable, foldable banners and signs smaller than 20’ x 3’ x ¼” will be allowed at the rally, but they can't be mounted on wooden or metal poles. The organizers have a list of other prohibited items on their website.

If you’re not a citizen, it’s also a good idea to bring your immigration papers. Although arrests are unlikely at a peaceful march, the ACLU recommends bringing $100 and at least three day’s worth of essential medicine if you’re planning to “risk arrest” by engaging in civil disobedience.

How to interact with law enforcement

Demonstrators at large, peaceful marches like this typically don't interact with the police unless they are doing something illegal like purposefully blocking a road. If you get stopped by the police, the ACLU says you should "stay calm, be polite, and don't run." Some states have “stop and identify laws,” meaning that if a police officer asks you to identify yourself you must give your name. Keep your hands visible and ask if you are free to leave.

Know your rights

Whether you’re a citizen or not, the First Amendment protects your constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully. You also have the right to photograph or film police. Police can pat you down to make sure you’re unarmed, but unless you are under arrest, you can refuse to consent to a search.

If an officer says you are under arrest, don’t resist even if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. You can ask why you’ve been arrested, otherwise you have the right to remain silent.

How to deal with counterprotesters

Remember that counterprotesters have rights, too. As long as they are not physically interfering with the main demonstration, they can attend the event and speak out. Police will generally keep the two groups separated, and it’s best not to engage with counterdemonstrators, according to the ACLU.

What you can do if you can't attend the D.C. march

There are hundreds of sister marches planned in all 50 states. Find the full list here.